Alderman presses overhaul of cannabis grant language, proposes '1908 Race Riot Repair Commission'
Alderman Gregory criticized grant language that he said excludes people with felony records from cannabis-tax-funded grants and proposed a '1908 Race Riot Repair Commission' to review systemic barriers; the mayor said staff would follow up with the economic development director. Public commenters echoed those concerns at the meeting.
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Alderman Gregory told the city council on Jan. 6 that language in Springfield's cannabis grant and contract templates appears to bar individuals with felony records from accessing cannabis-tax-funded grants and that the requirement discourages applicants. He said the restriction runs counter to the stated purpose of many cannabis-repair programs, which were intended to help neighborhoods harmed by the war on drugs.
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